Pulmonary embolism--a concept for survival.

In clinical practice, the incidence, complications, and results of pulmonary embolism remain a serious challenge to medical and surgical clinicians. This article presents the historical aspects, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic techniques, high risk factors, medical and surgical management, results, autopsy data, and prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism at the St Francis Medical Center for a 30-year period from 1958 to 1988, emphasizing the years 1979 to 1988. A concept for early diagnosis and prevention with improved morbidity and mortality also is presented.